Box forming machine

ABSTRACT

A box forming machine specifically designed to use hot-melt adhesives in the formation of boxes from pre-scored blanks, and to operate at a rate equal to the box-filling demand. Pneumatic means deliver blanks from an overhead stack to a horizontal conveyor. Cam-activated pressure wheels press desired portions only of the blank against continuously revolving adhesiveapplicator wheels as the conveyor moves the blanks thereover. The conveyor delivers blanks to the box-forming station, comprising a ram assembly, a box forming die and cam-activated fingers which bend tab portions against side portions as the ram forces the blank through the die. As each box is formed, it pushes the preceding box out of the bottom of the die and onto a delivery conveyor. The adhesive applicator assembly is simple, can not clog or foul, and requires essentially not maintenance.

United States Patent 1 1 Kalikow July 24, 1973 1 1 BOX FORMING MACHINE 3,376,850 4/1968 Pierce, Jr. 118/202 [76] ent r: ter amw 8 Uni d Na on 3,511,140 5/1970 Hoyrup 93/51 R Plaza New York 7 Primary Examiner-Andrew R. Juhasz [22] Filed: Sept.- 8, 1971 Assistant ExaminerHorace M. Culver [211 App 178 764 Altorney-Louis E. Marn,.lames J. Burke et a1.

57 ABSTRACT [52] U.S. Cl. 93/51 R, 93/41 1 51 rm. Cl B316 1/44, B31b 1/46 A box formmg machme specfically deslgned to use 5 Field of Search M 93/51 R, 49 R 56 PD hot-melt adhesives in the formation of boxes from pre 93/41; 11 /247 225 221 202; 15 ,443 475; scored blanks, and to operate at a rate equal to the bOX- 53/186 filling demand. Pneumatic means deliver blanks from an overhead stack to a horizontal conveyor. Cam- 5 References Cited activated pressure wheels press desired portions only of UNITED STATES PATENTS the blank against continuously revolving adhesiveapplicator wheels as the conveyor moves the blanks 2 32 thereover. The conveyor delivers blanks to the box- 2727444 $1955 g 9/3/51R forming station, comprising a ram assembly, a box 2:929:302 3,1960 ""II' forming die and cam-activated fingers which bend tab 2,977,861 4/1961 93/51 R portions against side portions as the ram forces the 2,995,991 g 9 nm 9 5 R blank through the die. As each box is formed, it pushes 2,997,930 8/1961 Pierce, Jr... 93/51 R the preceding box out of the bottom of thedie and onto 3,102,456 9/1963 Bailey 93/51 R X a delivery conveyor. The adhesive applicator assembly 3.213.940 11/1965 Pearson 93/51 R is simple, can not clog or foul, and requires essentially 3,240,185 3/1966 Goepner.... 118/247 not maintenance 3,338,211 8/1967 Nugarus..... 118/202 X 3,376,797 4/1968 Scace 93/51 R 12 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures I 1 -1 I 190 I :2oo |{1 l@ E1 I 1 '31 13 a l E 1 +202 1 l l 1 I 1 1 1 l "#196 I I l 1 l I l {5: l {204 l 1 l l 1 1 l memes M2 I915 SHEET 1 [IF 8 m vayrofi Peter Kohkow FIG.2

ATTORNEYS PATENIED JUL 2 4 I975 SHEEI 2 0F 8 FIG.3

PATENTED JUL 245373 3; 747. 480

SHEET 3 [If 8 FIG.4

Pmmwm 3.147.480

SHEET u [If 8 FIG.8

PATENIuJuL24|a1a SHEEI 8 [IF 8 I 242 244 ms FIG.I3

BOX FORMING MACHINE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to box forming machines and, more particularly, it relates to machines forming boxes from pre-scored blanks. Such machines comprise means for moving a blank from a storage section to an adhesive applicator, means for moving the blank from the applicator to the box-forming station, the latter taking many forms but often comprising a die and ram assembly. Typical of the many patents in this field is US. Pat. No. 3,102,457 of Walker. All such machines are complex electromechanical devices which are expensive to build, and require substantial maintenance. Particular trouble is experienced with adhesive applicators, as they tend to clog with dried adhesive if not rigorously maintained, and tend to deliver either too little or too much adhesive. The latter is the more serious problem; too little adhesive may result in a box that is unsatisfactory but which is readily removeable, but too much adhesive will result in adhesive smearing onto portions of the machine where it can disrupt the entire operation and necessitate a shut-down for cleanmg.

Adhesives used heretofore are solvent-based systems employing chemicals which oxidize or polymerize on contact with air as the solvent evaporates. Heat may or may not be employed to drive off the solvent and accelerate the reaction. The adhesive bond is not established until the adhesive is dry and in some cases cured.

Once the solvent is driven off, the oxidation or polymerization reactions proceed irreversibly, which means that adhesives must be stored in tightly closed containers, as once they are exposed to the atomosphere the solvent starts to evaporate, the viscosity starts to rise (changing its wetting properties) and, if not used promptly, it deteriorates. More recently, so-called contact cements have come into use. These are also solvent-based systems, but have the advantage of forming an adhesive bond immediately upon contact of the coated surfaces. However, contact cement solvents must be driven off before the surfaces are pressed together which mitigates against its use in automatic high speed equipment. Also, the solvents are extremely flammable, and great caution must be exercised in their use. In emulsion-based adhesive systems, a substantial compression time is required before a bond is formed, necessitating very large machines. Also, emulsions settle in time, limiting shelf life.

The development of hot melt adhesives represents a significant advance in the adhesive art. Such adhesives form bonds by different reactions and contain no solvents which must be driven off. In contrast to emulsion systems, they are supplied in a dry, particulate or granular form which is sotrage stable and does not require protection from the atmosphere. The adhesive properties are not developed until the material is melted and heated to a temperature above about 300F. Even in the molten state it is not affected by exposure to the atmosphere, since there are no solvents involved, so conditions of use are not critical. It bonds on contact by rapid heat dissipation, and requires no preliminary drying. Such adhesives manifestly present many advantages for use in automatic equipment, and the present invention is specifically designed therefore. A line of hot melt adhesives is marketed as Cascomelt (trademark) pellets, by Borden Chemical Co. Different formulations are provided for packaging which will be subjected to freezing temperatures, high heat or humidity, etc.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved box forming machine.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a box forming machine specifically adapted for use with hot-melt adhesives.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a moderate-speed box forming machine which is economical to build and to operate and which requires less maintenance than comparable machines.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a box forming machine which is readily adaptable for the forming of various sizes of boxes.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a novel adhesive applicator assembly for use in box forming machines which reliably dispenses a precisely controlled quantity of adhesive onto selected areas of prescored blanks.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel ram and die assembly for use in box forming machines.

Various other objects and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following detailed description of an embodiment thereof, and the novel features will be particularly pointed out in connection with the appended claims.

THE DRAWINGS Reference will hereinafter be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the FIG. 1 embodiment; 4

FIGS. 3 and 4 are left and right end views of theinvention, respectively;

FIG. 5 is an end elevation of the adhesive applicator of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional elevation of the adhesive applicator;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the adhesive applicators and the mounting assembly therefor;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the adheisve applicator section;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the delivery conveyor;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the power train of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing structural elements only;

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are end and side elevations, respectively, of the ram and die assembly;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the suction cup assembly;

FIG. 15 is a perspective of a box formed on the machine of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of the blank from which box of FIG. 15 was made; and

FIG. 17 is a perspective of the box of FIG. 15, during the forming process.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS With reference to FIG. 1, an overall perspective view, the box forming machine 10 of the invention is the compactly constructed with steel side members 12, 14 held in spaced, parallel relation by a plurality of cross members described hereinbelow in connection with FIG. 11. Machine is mounted on casters 16 for increased mobility.

Broadly speaking, the machine 10 comprises a blank feeding or supply station 18 (FIGS. 2 and 3), a continuous adhesive applicator station 20 (FIGS. 5-8), and a box forming station 22 (FIGS. 4, 9, l2 and 13).

The front of the machine can be considered to be side wall 14, since it has control panel 24 mounted thereon, but in the following description side wall 12 will be considered the front side wall, wall 14 the rear wall, the blank feed section 18 as the right end and the box forming and delivery section 22 as the left end, all of which is clear in FIG. 2. Further, it is to be noted that the machine is provided with suitable safety guards and covers which are either not shown or are shown only in phantom.

The blank storing and feeding section 18 will now be described, and reference is made to FIGS. 2 and 3. Side members 12, 14 each extend upwardly at section 18 to support a pair of horizontal transverse rods 26, 28 which are vertically aligned. The blank holder 30 is supported on rods 26, 28 and may be moved therealong to accomodate blanks of differentwidths. Moreparticularly, blank holder 30 comprises two identical but oppositely oriented assemblies. A block 32 is drilled for sliding engagement with rods 26, 28 (with set screws or other means provided to lock it in a desired position), and supports a first vertical blank guide 34 in the form of a right angle. Along, at least, one of its lower edges blank holder 34 has an inwardly extending, downwardly sloping shoulder 36 which provides enough'support, in combination with similar shoulders on the other three blank holders, to retain a stack of blanks but not inhibit the feeding function, described below. Block 32 is also drilled, at right angles to the holes for rods 26, 28 to slidably engage a pair of horizontal longitudinal rods 38, 40, which in turn support a second blank holder 42, similar to holder 34. By sliding rods 38, 40 in block 32, different lengths of blanks can be accomodated. A second block 44 also mounted on rods 26, 28 and two more blank holders 46, 48 complete a mechanism adapted to hold a variety of blank sizes, supporting any blank in a vertical stack at each corner. A transverse tie rod 50 connecting the two blank holder assemblies at the end removed from blocks 32,v

44 adds rigidity to the structure.

A pair of upwardly facing suction cups 52 are located below the approximate center of blank holder 30, and are adapted for vertical movement between the bottom of blank holder 30 and the blank receiving table 54. The structure and operation of these reciprocating suction cups is more clearly shown in FIG. 14, and reference is made thereto. Two horizontal, vertically aligned rods 54, 56 extend transversely between the sidewalls (not shown in FIG. 14) and act as pivot points for an upper pivot arm 58 and a lower pivot arm 60, which extend toward the feed end of the machine, and terminate at suction tube carrier 62, to which they are journaled. Suction tube carrier 62 comprises a lower horizontal support 64, an upper horizontal support 66 and a connecting vertical member 68 to which the pivot arms 58 and are rotatably attached. Supports 64, 66 are drilled with aligned holes to carry the vertical suction tubes 70, 72, which have cups 52 on their upper ends.

About midway along its length, upperpivot arm 58 carries a cam follower 74, which rides on an eccentric cam 76 mounted for rotation with pivot arm cam shaft 78. As best seen in FIG. 3, eccentric cam 76 is designed to reciprocate suction cups 52 from the position shown, just below delivery table 54, to the position shown in phantom, where they will press against the bottom blank in holder 30. Flexible hoses 80 connect the lower ends of tubes 70, 72 with suction timing valve 82. Valve 82 is in turn connected by hose 84 to vacuum pump 86. It is desireable to also provide a vacuum gage 88 and an adjustment valve 90 in hose 84 so that the suction power of cups 52 can be measured and controlled.

The blank receiving table 54 is horizontally disposed between side members 12, 14 and is supported on blocks 92 welded to transverse rods 94. It is provided with a pair of parallel longitudinal guide rails 96 transversely adjustable to accomodate various widths of blanks. Table 54 is constructed in two halves, the inner edge of each half defining a longitudinal opening or slit 98, which slit is broadened at one point to provide an aperture 100 (FIG. 14) for vertical passage of suction cups 52. An endless chain 102 is supported between a sprocket 104 below the feed end of table 54 and drive sprocket 106 at the other end of table 54, and extends the length of table 54 in slit 98. Drive wheel 106 is supported between side members 12, 14 on a drive shaft 108, as more fully set forth in connection with FIG. 10.

The upper length of chain 102 is at the level of table 54 within slit or opening 98. Chain 102 is provided with spaced blank-engaging teeth 110 which extend above the level of table 54.

The operation of the above described portions of box-forming machine 10 may be described as follows. With the power on, chain 102 is continuously driven in the counterclockwise direction, so that the teeth 110 on the upper surface are adapted to convey blanks deposited on table 54 from the feed station 18, over the adhesive applicators 20 and to the box forming section 22. At the same time suction cups 52 are reciprocating up and down, with air timing valve 82 acting to apply suction at the top of each stroke and release it at the bottom of each stroke. In this manner, cups S2 engage the bottom blank in blank holder 30 and pull it downwardly, over shoulders 36, to table 54, where the suction is released. The position and spacing of teeth 110 is such that as each blank is deposited on table 54, a tooth 110 engages it and moves it along.

The success of any box-making operation depends in large measure on the ability of the machine to apply a precise amount of adhesive precisely where' it is wanted. The adhesive applicator assembly 20 of the invention accomplishes this, and will now be described. Attention is directed to FIGS. 5-8. In essence, two continuously rotating grooved wheels 112 are mounted just below the level of table 54 at transverse positions selected so that tabs on the blanks or whatever portion adhesive is to be applied to, passes directly thereover. The peripheral speed and direction of rotation of wheels 112 is the same as the blank, and the width of the grooves determines the quantity of adhesive applied. As a tab passes over wheels 112, a pair of cam activated pressure wheels 114 move downwardly and press the tab against grooved wheel 112 for a predetermined period, thus depositing a plurality of stripes of adhesive onto the tab. 4

In particular, and with reference to FIG. 6, each adhesive applicator comprises a cylindrical tank 116 having its axis in the horizontal plane, and provided with a horizontal drive shaft 118 extending from one end to the other just beneath the uppermost periphery. Grooved wheel 112 is journaled onto shaft 118 and rotates therewith. Being of relatively small diameter, wheel 112 approaches line contact with the blank, resulting in a cleaner and more accurate adhesive pattern. The interior of tank 116 forms an adhesive well 120, and a port 122 is provided for filling. A vertical screen 123 prevents any foreign matter introduced through port 122 from damaging the applicator assembly. One or more thermostatically controlled electric cartridge heaters 124 are mounted in an end wall of tank 116 to establish and maintain the adhesive at its proper temperature. Means are required to supply melted adhesive to wheel 112 in unvarying fashion even though the amount of adhesive in well may vary from full to nearly empty. Accordingly, a small, open container 126, is mounted around and just below wheel 112 and is adapted to contain a very limited amount of adhesive in actual contact with the wheel surface and about one-eighth in. of the sides. Container 126 is supplied with adhesive by a simple pump. In particular, a gear 128 is journaled onto shaft 118 adjacent wheel'112, and drives a pump gear 130 mounted for rotation within well 120 on a shaft 132 located approximately on the axis of container 116. Shaft 132 is mounted on a horizontal support 133. A smooth disc 131 is also mounted on shaft 132 and is integral with gear 130. The diameter of disc 131 is such that it extends from nearly the bottom of well 120 to above the side of closely adjacent container 126. As the disc 131 rotates, it picks up the viscous adhesive from well 120 and carries it above container 126. A vertical vane 135 on container 126 scrapes adhesive off disc 131 and it flows into the container. This maintains it full, and any excess merely overflows the sides of container 126 and returns to well 120. In this manner, grooved wheel 112 is exposed to an unvarying quantity of adhesive at all times. I

Mounting of the adhesive applicators and means for driving each shaft 118 are shown in FIGS, 7 and 8. A rectangular frame comprising two parallel rails 134, 136 with end members 138, 140 are transversely attached to side walls 12, 14. Each adhesive applicator 116 is mounted on a pair of outwardly directed angles 142 adapted toride on the rails 134, 136. Locking means (not shown) are provided to secure applicators 116 in a particular position. A worm gear 144 is journaled into end members 138, 140 and is parallel with rails 134, 136 and in the same plane therewith. Gear 144 also engages applicators 116, but is left-handed on one end and right-handed on the other, so that when crank 146 at one end of gear 144 is turned, applicators 116 are moved along rails 134, 136 either toward or away from each other, always maintaining a symmetrical relationship with the longitudinal axis of the machine.

As shown most clearly in FlGS. 5 and 8, the shafts 118 carry a sprocket 148, which can be engaged or disengaged from shaft 118 by means of a clutch 150 (this allows the machine to be set up and its mechanical operation checked while heaters 124 are bringing the adhesive to temperature, without rotating grooved wheels 112). An endless chain 152 connects sprocket 148 and a sprocket 154 journaled onto the end of shaft 108. The

shaft 108, which also carries blank conveyor drive sprocket 106 and conveyor chain 102, is journaled into side walls 12, 14 and is driven as described hereinbelow 5 in connection with FIG. 10.

The assembly and functioning of pressure wheels 114 is as follows. The cam shaft 78 which carries eccentric cam 76 is journaled through sidewall 12 and carries lift cam 156 on its forward end. A cam follower 158 is mounted for partial rotation about a pivot shaft 160 and is biased into contact with lift cam 156 by a spring 162. The free end of cam follower 158 is connected to a tie rod 164, and connects cam follower 158 with pressure wheel shaft arm 166. The arm 166 is rigidly attached to one end of the pressure wheel shaft 168. Thus, when lift cam 156 raises cam follower 158, this motion is translated into slight counterclockwise rotation of pressure wheel shaft 168 by tie rod 164 and shaft arm 166. Pressure wheel shaft 168 traverses the machine and is journaled into side members 12, 14. Pressure wheels 114 are held above grooved wheels 112 of the adhesive applicators by brackets 170 secured to shaft 168 for rotation therewith. Thus, the speed of rotation and shape of cam 156 determines when and for how long pressure wheels 114 will force a blank against grooved adhesive wheels 112.

It is to be noted that the table 54 is cut away from the area of grooved wheels 1 12 so that, after adhesive is applied to a blank, it is supported only in the area 54a around conveyor channel 98 and at its edges by guides 96. This prevents adhesive on a blank from touching any part of the machine. Further, the blank is maintained flat as it passes over area 540 of table 54 and into box-forming section 22 by a pair of weighted arms 172 which are loosely journaled onto shaft 168 by means of collars 174.

In the box forming portion 22 of the machine 10, the blank carrying the adhesive is pushed downwardly through a die 176 by a vertically reciprocating ram 178. At the same time, four cam-activated fingers 180 at the corners of die 176 fold tab portions of the box inside the corners thereof as the sides are raised, as discussed in connection with FIG. 17 below. As a succeeding box is formed, it pushes apreviously formed box out the bottom of die 176 and onto the delivery conveyor 182.

In particular, and referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, side members 12,14 each support a pair of spaced, parallel vertical angles 184, 186, which together with the tie bar channel 188 and cross brace 190 provide additional structural support for this portion of the machine.

The ram 178, which has the configuration of the inside dimensions of the finished box, is bolted to a supporting bracket 192 carried by ram crosshead 194. The latter element extends between angles 184, 186 on each side and rides up and down on vertical ways 196 with vertical followers 198. Crosshead 194 includes shaft members 200 extending from either end thereof beyond sidewalls 12, 14 in the space between angles 184, 186. Shaft members 200 are each journaled to a connecting rod 202, which is in turn connected to crank lever 204 mounted for rotation on crank shaft 206. With each rotation of driven crank shaft 206, ram 178 reciprocates down into die 176 and back up again, the length of the stroke being determined by the length of crank lever 204. The driving of crank shaft 206 is described in connection with FIG. 10.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 12 and 13, die 176 is supported beneath ram 178 on a pair of parallel transverse angels 208, 210 extending between side walls 12, 14. Rectangular brackets 212, 214 bolted to angle 208 and a similar pair of brackets bolted to angle 210 support a pair of longitudinal, freely rotating rollers 216, 218 on shafts 220, 221. Brackets 212, 214 also support edge guides 222, and a pair of similar transverse rollers 224, 226, the axes of which are slightly higher than the axes of rollers 216, 218, for reasons which will become apparent below. Brackets 212, 214 also support a transverse edge stop 227 which, along with guides 222, position the blank over the die.

The inner surfaces of angles 208, 210 are directly beneath the innermost portions of rollers 224, 226 and,

in effect, form the lower portions of the die 176 in the transverse direction. In the longitudinal direction, a pair of plates 228, 230 mounted between angles 208, 210 are directly below the inner edges of rollers 216, 218 and complete the lower portion of the die.

The assembly and functioning of tab-folding fingers 180 is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.

Inside sidewall 12, crank shaft 206 carries a cam 232, and a cam follower 234 on a pivot arm 236 on sidewall 12 is biased into engagement therewith by a spring 238. A connecting rod 240 joins the free end of pivot arm 236 and rocker shaft arm 242. The rocker shaft arm .242 is secured on rocker shaft 244, which is journaled through angles 208, 210. Thus, when cam follower 234 follows the indentation in cam 232, rocker shaft 244 is rotated in the clockwise direction, as seen in FIG. 12. At each end of shaft 244 a double pivot arm 246 is attached for rotation therewith. A tie rod 248 at one end of arm 246 connects it with arm 250 on shaft 220, and a tie rod 252 at the other end of arm 246 connects it with arm 254 on shaft 221. Thus, when rocker shaft 244 rotates in the clockwise direction shaft 220 rotates counterclockwise and shaft 221 rotates clockwise (note that the identical structure exists at the other end of rocker shaft 244 and shafts 220, 221). The four fingers 180 are journaled onto shafts 220, 221 for rotation therewith, just beyond the ends of rollers 216, 218, and

it should be apparent that they will be rotated inwardly with the rotation of rocker shaft 244.

As seen in FIGS. 15-17, a pre-scored blank 256 has tabs a, b, c, d to which adhesive 258 has been applied (on the reverse side) by grooved wheels 112. As ram 178 engages the blank and starts its descent into die 176, the sides 260, 262 are raised first, because rollers 224, 226 are higher than rollers 216, 218. At the same time, fingers 180 are activated, and tabs a, b, c, d are bent up (FIG. 17). As ram 178 continues its descent, rollers 216, 218 force the other two sides up, and as the box enters the lower. portion of the die it assumes the configuration shown in FIG. 15.

Since the tolerances between ram 178, the box 256 and die 176 are necessarily close, and since it is not convenient to have the stroke of ram 178 long enough to push the box entirely out of the lower portion of the die, precautions must be taken to prevent the box from .moving up and out of the die with the ram 178 on its upward stroke. This is easily accomplished by providing a shallow vertical groove 264 on eitherside of ram 178 and, in the path of this groove in side plates 228, 230, a pair of downwardly sloped spring latches 229 which extend into the thickness of the blank. These latches are located at a level just above the top of the box when the ram is at the bottom of its stroke. The latches are pressed into plates 228, 230 as the box is formed, and are released as the top edge of the box passes by, entering groove 264. The latches then restrain the box from upward movement as the ram starts its upward stroke. The next box formed pushes the previously formed box out of the bottom of die 176 and onto delivery conveyor 182.

The structure and operation of delivery conveyor 182 are apparent from FIG. 9, and attention is directed thereto. Cross channel 188 has a pair of spaced, parallel angles 266, 268 bolted thereto, and which extend out the delivery end of the machine. A pair of rollers 270, 2.72 are supported between'angles 266, 268 at either end thereof. A delivery conveyor drive shaft 274 is journaled into sidewalls 12, 14 below cross channel 188 and carries a conveyor drive roll 276 having a highfriction surface. A delivery conveyor belt 278, of canvas or other suitable material, is stretched around rollers 270, 272, drive roller 276 and a transverse bar 280, which is positioned .above and just in front of drive roller 276, so that belt 278 contacts drive roller 276 around about half of its periphery.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing only the shafts, gears, belts and chains, etc. which make up the power train of the invention, and attention is directed thereto. Unless otherwise indicated, all shafts are journaled into side walls 12 and 14 with suitable bearings. The motor 282 turns a pulley 284 which drives worm gear reductor 286 through an endless belt 288. Motor 282 may be an 1,800 rpm Y4 horsepower motor, and the ratio of reductor 286 is 40:1. Output gear 290 on speed reducer 286 drives gear 292 on the crank shaft 206 and, since gear 292 is larger than gear 290, speed is furtherreduced. Crank shaft 206 carries crank arms 204 at either end, which reciprocate the ram assembly. Crank shaft 206 also carries fingeractivating cam 232 adjacent the inside surface of sidewall 12. Adjacent gear 292 on crank shaft 206 there is a sprocket 294 for endless chain belt 296. The belt 296 drives the sprocket 298 on suction cup cam shaft 78, idler sprocket 300 maintaining a proper tension on chain belt 296. Crankshaft gear 292 also turns gear 302 on delivery conveyor drive shaft 274. In addition to the delivery conveyor drive roll 276, shaft 274 also turns sprocket 304 adjacent the inside surface of side wall 12. Sprocket 304 drives an endless chain belt 306 in cooperation with the sprocket 308 on blank conveyor drive shaft 108, idler sprocket 310 maintaining appropriate'tension. Blank conveyor drive shaft 108 turns sprocket 106 which is centrally located thereon, and blank conveyor chain belt 102 runs between this and sprocket 104 at the feed end of the machine. As pointed out hereinabove, blank conveyor drive shaft 108 also has two additional sprockets 154 mounted at its respective ends which, through clain belts 152 drive the adhesive applicator assembly. It is to be noted that movement of the adhesive applicators requires adjustment of the positions of sprockets 154 on shaft 108.

The suction cup cam shaft 78 turns cam 76, raising and lowering the suction cup assembly, as described in connection with FIG. 14. Shaft 78 also carries a sprocket 312 and chain 314 which drive the sprocket 316 on suction timing valve 82. Lastly, at the end opposite to gear 298, shaft 78 turns the pressure wheel cam 156.

to. support the blank delivery table, rods 54, 56 supporting the suction cup pivot arms, rods 26, 28 supporting the blank holder, and rails 134, 136 (FIG. 7) supporting the adhesive applicator assemblies.

is not complicated. The blank holder 30 and longitudinal guides 96 are adjustd for a particular blank size, and the adhesive applicators 116 moved to the proper locations. A cam 156 is provided which will activate the pressure wheels at the right moments. The ram and die assemblies must conform to the box dimensions. While it is possible to manufacture an adjustable ram and die assembly, experience has shown that they are difficult to adjust correctly, and replaceable fixed parts are preferred.

To more clearly visualize the actual construction of the box forming machine 10 of the invention, FIG. 11

is a perspective view showing the basic structural elements thereof, with all functional elements not shown and, for greater clarity, side wall member 12 shown 5 only in phantom.

A rigid machine frame is formed from the two side Lesser structural elements include the rods 94 used Adjustment of the machine for blanks of various sizes Operation of the machine is completely automatic.

The heaters 124 are initially turned on to heat the hotmelt adhesive -to the proper temperature, care being taken to see that wells 120 are full. Blanks are loaded into holder 30 and the motor 282 is turned on; Since the hot melt adhesive bonds on contact, boxes on the delivery conveyor 182 are ready for filling. The speed of box-making can be varied to meet demand by employing, for example, a Reeves variable speed pulley in place of the pulley shown on motor 282.

it is to be noted that the novel adhesive applicator assemblies and the die assembly described herein may be employed on machines other than the embodiment illustrated. Further, various other changes in the details, steps, materials and arrangements of parts, which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the invention, may be made by those skilled in the art within the principle and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A machine for forming boxes from pre-cut, prescored blanks having tabs comprising:

blank storage means for holding a horizontal stack of blanks;

pneumatic meansfor removing a single blank from the bottom of said stack;

conveyor means adapted to recieve blanks from said pneumatic means;

adhesive applicator means positioned to underlie but not engage preselected portions of said blanks as moved thereover by said conveyor means, said adhesive applicator means comprising: a well for storage of adhesive;

a grooved applicator wheel extending through an opening in the top of said well and mounted for rotation on a shaft;

an adhesive container of limited capacity immediately below and partially surrounding the lower portion of said applicator wheel; and

means for pumping adhesive from said well to said container as said wheel is driven by said shaft;

pressure wheel means positioned over said applicator wheel and selectively moveable into engagement with blanks passing thereunder, said blanks thereby being pressed into engagement with said applicator wheel;

a box-forming die comprising:

a pair of transverse end-forming rollers, the

inner extremities of which define one diemension of said box;

a pair of longitudinal side-forming rollers, the inner extremities of which define the other demension of said box; the horizontal plane of one pair of rollers being higher than the horizontal plane of the other pair of rollers; a ram assembly reciprocally moveable into and out of said die;

positioning means adapted to receive blanks from said conveyor means and position same over said die and beneath said ram assembly;

said ram assembly raising one pair of sides on a positioned blank before the other pair of sides on its downward stroke;

means forcing tabs on said first-raised sides into an upright position for engagement with the interior surface of said other pair of sides as said ram as-' sembly continues its downward stroke;

means for disengaging said ram assembly from a box; and 6 means for removing a box from said die.

2. The box-forming machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said blank storage means comprises a plurality of vertical members adapted to retain said blanks in a vertical stack, and a plurality of inwardly extending shoulders on the lower inner edges of, at least, some of said members, said shoulders restraining said blanks from gravitational movement.

3. The box-forming machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein said pneumatic means comprise vertically reciprocally moveable suction cup means beneath said stack and adapted to pull a single blank downwardly over said shoulders and deliver same to said conveyor means.

4. The box-forming machine as claimed in claim 3, and additionally comprising timing valve means adapted to apply suction through said suction cup means during downward reciprocation thereof, and release said suction at the level of said conveyor means.

5. The box-forming machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein said reciprocally moveable suction cup means comprise:

a pair of suction cups on the ends of a pair of vertical suction rods;

a suction rod holder assembly retaining said rods in spaced parallel relation;

a pair of parallel pivot arms mounted for pivoting rotation at one end and rotatably secured to said suction rod holder assembly at the other end;

a cam follower secured to one of said pivot arms midway between said ends; and

eccentric cam means adapted on rotation to raise and lower said cam follower and effect reciprocation of said suction cups.

6. The box forming machine as claimed in claim 1,

wherein said conveyor means comprise:

a horizontal blank receiving table extending from beneath said blank storage means to said box forming die and including a central, longitudinal opening and cut-out portions around said adhesive applicator means;

a driven pulley beneath said central opening at the blank storage end;

a drive pulley beneath said central opening at the die end;

an endless belt extending between said pulleys and within said opening, said belt including a plurality of blank-engaging projections extending above the surface of said table.

' 7. The box-forming machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for removing a box from said die comprises a subsequently formed box acting to push said first-formed box out the bottom of said die.

- 8. The box-forming machine as claimed in claim 1,

and additionally comprising delivery conveyor means capable of receiving boxes removed from said die and transporting same away from said machine.

9. The box forming machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said disengaging means comprise spring latch means capable of preventing upward movement of a box upon upward movement of said ram assembly.

10. The box-forming machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ram assembly comprises:

vertical rails extending above said die on either side thereof;

a ram cross-head adapted for vertical movement between said rails;

a ram attached to said cross-head above said die; and

crank means for reciprocating said ram into and out of said die.

11. The box-forming machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said positioning means comprise blank edge guides on the sides of said die excepting the side of said conveyor means.

12. The box-forming machine as claimed in claim 6, wherein said blank-receiving table includes longitudinal blank edge guides. 

1. A machine for forming boxes from pre-cut, pre-scored blanks having tabs comprising: blank storage means for holding a horizontal stack of blanks; pneumatic means for removing a single blanK from the bottom of said stack; conveyor means adapted to recieve blanks from said pneumatic means; adhesive applicator means positioned to underlie but not engage preselected portions of said blanks as moved thereover by said conveyor means, said adhesive applicator means comprising: a well for storage of adhesive; a grooved applicator wheel extending through an opening in the top of said well and mounted for rotation on a shaft; an adhesive container of limited capacity immediately below and partially surrounding the lower portion of said applicator wheel; and means for pumping adhesive from said well to said container as said wheel is driven by said shaft; pressure wheel means positioned over said applicator wheel and selectively moveable into engagement with blanks passing thereunder, said blanks thereby being pressed into engagement with said applicator wheel; a box-forming die comprising: a pair of transverse end-forming rollers, the inner extremities of which define one diemension of said box; a pair of longitudinal side-forming rollers, the inner extremities of which define the other demension of said box; the horizontal plane of one pair of rollers being higher than the horizontal plane of the other pair of rollers; a ram assembly reciprocally moveable into and out of said die; positioning means adapted to receive blanks from said conveyor means and position same over said die and beneath said ram assembly; said ram assembly raising one pair of sides on a positioned blank before the other pair of sides on its downward stroke; means forcing tabs on said first-raised sides into an upright position for engagement with the interior surface of said other pair of sides as said ram assembly continues its downward stroke; means for disengaging said ram assembly from a box; and means for removing a box from said die.
 2. The box-forming machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said blank storage means comprises a plurality of vertical members adapted to retain said blanks in a vertical stack, and a plurality of inwardly extending shoulders on the lower inner edges of, at least, some of said members, said shoulders restraining said blanks from gravitational movement.
 3. The box-forming machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein said pneumatic means comprise vertically reciprocally moveable suction cup means beneath said stack and adapted to pull a single blank downwardly over said shoulders and deliver same to said conveyor means.
 4. The box-forming machine as claimed in claim 3, and additionally comprising timing valve means adapted to apply suction through said suction cup means during downward reciprocation thereof, and release said suction at the level of said conveyor means.
 5. The box-forming machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein said reciprocally moveable suction cup means comprise: a pair of suction cups on the ends of a pair of vertical suction rods; a suction rod holder assembly retaining said rods in spaced parallel relation; a pair of parallel pivot arms mounted for pivoting rotation at one end and rotatably secured to said suction rod holder assembly at the other end; a cam follower secured to one of said pivot arms midway between said ends; and eccentric cam means adapted on rotation to raise and lower said cam follower and effect reciprocation of said suction cups.
 6. The box forming machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said conveyor means comprise: a horizontal blank receiving table extending from beneath said blank storage means to said box forming die and including a central, longitudinal opening and cut-out portions around said adhesive applicator means; a driven pulley beneath said central opening at the blank storage end; a drive pulley beneath said central opening at the die end; an endless belt extending between said pulleys and within said opening, said belt including a plurality of blank-engaging projections eXtending above the surface of said table.
 7. The box-forming machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for removing a box from said die comprises a subsequently formed box acting to push said first-formed box out the bottom of said die.
 8. The box-forming machine as claimed in claim 1, and additionally comprising delivery conveyor means capable of receiving boxes removed from said die and transporting same away from said machine.
 9. The box forming machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said disengaging means comprise spring latch means capable of preventing upward movement of a box upon upward movement of said ram assembly.
 10. The box-forming machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ram assembly comprises: vertical rails extending above said die on either side thereof; a ram cross-head adapted for vertical movement between said rails; a ram attached to said cross-head above said die; and crank means for reciprocating said ram into and out of said die.
 11. The box-forming machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said positioning means comprise blank edge guides on the sides of said die excepting the side of said conveyor means.
 12. The box-forming machine as claimed in claim 6, wherein said blank-receiving table includes longitudinal blank edge guides. 